One of the principal motives behind the conception of the Edakkal Hermitage was to call upon world wide attention to the significance and the value of the heritage that we as a nation have inherited in the form of pre historic etchings at the Edakkal Rock Shelters. Although certified by many a prominent historian as being unique world wide to these terrains and as the 'richest pictographic gallery of its kind', the academic interest that was generated was relatively mute and limited.

Ever since the Edakkal Hermitage was established as a base camp, the interest in these rock shelters has risen to a great extent with an exponential increase in the visitor numbers. This also rejuvenated an interest amongst even the locals on the shelters, many of whom have found alternative employment catering to the needs of the increased number of visitors. However the quest towards attaining an ultimate world heritage status and an enhancement in terms of the quality of the visit for the traveller still continues and we are striving towards it.

Effortlessly binding history and traditional values, Edakkal Hermitage combines spectacular vistas of nature and the timeless appeal of heritage of the nearby pre-historic Edakkal caves, with its warm ambience and vernacular architecture. It is in this amazing environ that one can be as captivated by the past as with the present. It is undoubtedly here that one can explore the essence of Edakkal to experience its magic. It is irrepressibly here that one can succumb to the lure of cave art and the art of caving in.

They offer a host of visitor services an information centre, camping facilities and cottage accommodation. Other facilities include a little restaurant that serves traditional Malayali cuisine, a shop of souvenirs and books, and an open-air theatre for cultural and heritage events.